Trump Administration Launches Trade Investigations Against 15 Nations, Eyes New Tariffs Under Section 301

The Trump administration has initiated formal trade investigations targeting 15 major U.S. trading partners, a move that could pave the way for a new wave of tariffs. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the probes, which center on allegations of 'structural excess capacity' — a condition in which countries produce goods far beyond their domestic consumption needs, potentially distorting global markets. The countries under scrutiny include the European Union, Singapore, Switzerland, Norway, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Mexico, Japan, and India. The administration is invoking Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, a statute that authorizes the U.S. Trade Representative to unilaterally retaliate against nations found to be engaging in unfair trade practices. The law mandates that a formal investigation precede any punitive action. Greer described the announcement, set to be published in the Federal Register, as merely the opening phase of a broader process. He indicated that investigations are expected to yield more precise findings regarding trade imbalances affecting American workers and markets, including concerns over wage suppression and market access restrictions. Separately, the administration plans to initiate roughly 60 additional Section 301 investigations targeting countries over the importation of goods produced with forced labor, with country-specific inquiries also anticipated. The new investigations come in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling that struck down President Trump's authority to impose tariffs unilaterally under emergency economic powers legislation. In response, the administration implemented a temporary 10% global tariff rate under a different legal authority, valid for up to 150 days before requiring congressional extension. The president subsequently signaled an intention to raise that rate to 15%, though no official action has been taken to formalize the increase. Greer stated the administration aims to conclude the Section 301 investigations before the temporary tariffs expire in July.